Relation between coronary atherosclerotic plaques and lipid evaluated by multidetector computed tomography

Objective To observe the relation between coronary plaques and lipid by noninvasive multidetector computed tomography（MDCT）. Methods A total of 46 patients including 6 females and 40 males at the age of 56.1±1.7 years underwent dual-source CT and were followed up for 251.8±13.1 days.Their fasting lipid levels including TC,TG,HDL-C and LDL-C were measured.The HU range for plaques and lumen was defined as-10-158 and ＞159,respectively,with calcified plaques excluded.Coronary stricture,area and CT value of coronary plaques were calculated using these cut-offs.Patients were divided into two groups according to their aggravated or improved coronary stricture. Results The TC and LDL-C were slightly increased,coronary stricture tended to aggravate,and CT value of coronary plaques was decreased.The TC and LDL-C were significantly lower in patients with stable conditions than in those with aggravated conditions（3.86±0.83 vs 4.53±1.32,P=0.024 0;2.11±0.56 vs 2.57±0.99,P=0.030 1）.Regression analysis showed that improvement in coronary stricture was negatively correlated with LDL-C（r=0.309 9,P=0.036 1）.The LDL-C was 1.94mmol/L in those with no progression of their coronary stricture. Conclusion Lipid control can alleviate the progression of coronary plaques and non-invasive MDCT can be used to monitor changes in coronary plaques and stricture.